
28
FRIDAY
October 17
Further Study:
Sin and Separation From God: “Christ knew that
Adam in Eden, with his superior advantages, might have withstood the
temptations of Satan, and conquered him. He also knew that it was not
possible for man, out of Eden, separated from the light and love of God
since the Fall, to resist the temptations of Satan in his own strength.”
—Ellen G. White, Maranatha, p. 224.
Sin and Lack of Harmony: “In transgression Adam became a law
to himself. By disobedience he was brought under bondage. Thus a dis-
cordant element, born of selfishness, entered man’s life. Man’s will and
God’s will no longer harmonized. Adam had united with the disloyal
forces, and self-will took the field.”—Ellen G. White, Signs of the
Times, June 13, 1900.
Sin and Rebellion in Nature: “Among the lower creatures Adam
had stood as king . . . ; but when he transgressed, this dominion was
forfeited. The spirit of rebellion, to which he himself had given
entrance, extended throughout the animal creation. Thus not only the
life of man, but the nature of the beasts, the trees of the forest, the grass
of the field, the very air he breathed, all told the sad lesson of the
knowledge of evil.”—Ellen G. White, God’s Amazing Grace, p. 41.
Discussion Questions:
● It’s obvious to almost anyone that things are not right in our
world. As Christians, we believe things are this way because of
sin and the Fall. Some folk, however, don’t believe in the idea of
sin or the Fall. How do they explain the state of the world? What
are some other explanations that people give? How, for example,
would an evolutionist explain our present condition? What are
these other views, and how would you answer them?
● No doubt, all around you the terrible impact of sin can be seen.
Though we can never eradicate sin or its consequences in this world
now, what practical steps can we take to try to help alleviate as much
of the damage as possible? What are things you can do, both as an
individual and as a church, to try to relieve some of the suffering?
● What is a “spiritual death”? How can someone know if they
are spiritually dead? Would someone spiritually dead even know
it? What can you do to help someone who feels that he or she is,
indeed, spiritually dead?
Summary:
The Fall was an act of rebellion against God, and it
resulted in the spiritual, physical, and eternal death of sinners.
Because the results were so bad, something drastic had to be done;
otherwise, we would have no hope. As we shall see, the Cross was that
drastic answer to the problem caused by the Fall.
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